How To Keep Your Furniture From Splitting

If you have wood furniture in your home or office, then you need to take care of it properly so that it lasts as long as possible. Wood is very sensitive, and it could split over time if it is neglected.

Here are some tips that will preserve your wood furniture and keep it looking its best.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

You may enjoy how bright your room looks when the drapes are open, but you need to be careful that your wooden furniture is not in the path of direct sunlight. The rays of the sun may cause the finish on your wood furniture to crack and peel, which will expose the wood underneath. The wood will then be more susceptible to damage from heat, light and water. If it is possible, keep the curtains closed or filter the sunlight so that your furniture is protected.

Monitor the Humidity

Wood furniture is very sensitive to humidity. It will expand and shrink according to how much moisture is in the air, and frequent changes in humidity levels may cause the wood to crack or split. The furniture may also become brittle if the air in the building is too dry and hot, which is often the case when heaters and furnaces are used during the winter.

If you have noticed that your wood furniture is suffering, you should place a humidifier in the room when the weather is cold and dry. You may also want to run the air conditioner or use a dehumidifier during the hot and humid months of the year to limit the amount of moisture in your home. Your home or office should have a relative humidity of approximately 50% all year long in order to protect wood furniture.

Seal Your Furniture

One of the best ways to protect wood furniture from splitting is to seal it. This will keep moisture inside the furniture so that it is less likely to crack or weaken over time. The sealer will also protect the wood from water or chemical spills. You can choose from a variety of sealing products, including polyurethane, sanding sealer and lacquer, and you can decide whether you want to use an oil-based or water-based sealer.

Keep Your Furniture Oiled

You should regularly condition your wood furniture with furniture oil in order to keep it moisturized and protected so that it is less likely to split. Avoid using silicone-based products that may cause buildup and cause your wood furniture to look dull. Instead, regularly apply furniture oil with a soft rag, which will moisturize and condition the wood without marring its appearance. If you want to polish your furniture, use the same type of polish repeatedly so that the wood does not get cloudy or streaked.

Wood furniture can be a beautiful addition to your home or office, but you need to make sure that you take care of it properly so that it does not split or lose its lustrous appearance. With these tips, you can keep your wood furniture looking its best for many years to come.

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Eric is a carpenter who creates unique furniture for homeowners. His designs are built to exceed his customers’ expectations. He also works for CambiumWorks Custom Wood Furniture in Houston, Texas.